West Des Moines Difference - January 2009 - (Page 19)

“I would suggest to any entrepreneur that Valley Junction is a supportive, eclectic group of local businesses,” said Christine McNunn, owner of Fair World Gallery, which offers fair trade and earth-friendly items from around the globe. “I appreciate the support of the Historic Valley Junction Foundation and the city of West Des Moines, the central location, the ease of parking and the ongoing event schedule.” Valley Junction’s business district, which covers eight square blocks, has become famous for its variety of events year round, including a weekly farmers market with a beverage garden and 120 vendors each Thursday evening from May through September; Music in the Junction, featuring local performers; three holiday open houses in November and December, complete with horse-drawn carriages and caroling; two art shows; an antique show; an annual Earth Day celebration; and a Cinco de Mayo festival. Making Main Street better Historic Valley Junction is one of Iowa’s 44 Main Street communities and has been since 1987. In fact, the nationally certified district has become one of the largest and most successful Main Street communities in the state. The Main Street program, which is affi liated with the Downtown Resource Center/Iowa Department of Economic Development and falls under the guidance of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, allows Valley Junction to offer a number of benefits to local businesses. For example, merchants may bring in an architect affi liated with the Main Street program for technical assistance or design services focused on historic preservation. In addition, the district has earned the designation of an Iowa Great Place and Cultural and Entertainment District. Only four communities in the state have achieved all three designations. Valley Junction also offers other business incentives, including a low-interest loan program, marketing and advertising campaigns, and a technical assistance program through the city of West Des Moines, where business owners who hire architects, engineers, planners or surveyors may be reimbursed up to $500 for those services. “ I WOULD SUGGEST TO ANY ENTREPRENEUR THAT VALLEY JUNCTION IS A SUPPORTIVE, ECLECTIC GROUP OF LOCAL BUSINESSES.” CHRISTINE MCNUNN, OWNER OF FAIR WORLD GALLERY “A downtown is what makes a city a community,” said Jim Miller, executive director of the Historic Valley Junction Foundation, a nonprofit organization formed more than 20 years ago. “By mixing economic development with historic preservation, Valley Junction adds charm and character to West Des Moines.” Investing in the future The city of West Des Moines recently purchased Valley Junction’s historic city hall building, which once held the fi re station, jail and city council chambers. The Historic Valley Junction Foundation, which will be the primary tenant downstairs, is restoring the 1905 building with as much historical accuracy as possible. Public meeting rooms and classroom space will be available upstairs when the renovation is complete. “West Des Moines’ city leaders are fiercely loyal to Valley Junction, and they work hard to keep the business district vital,” Miller said. “Their willingness to collaborate with Valley Junction helps our merchants play a key role in driving West Des Moines’ economic engine.” THE WEST DES MOINES DIFFERENCE 19

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San Jose Official Visitor Guide 2009

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